Stephen Sondheim Remembered as ‘a Revolutionary Voice,’ ‘The Greatest’
Following the death of legendary Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim Friday at 91, his admirers and friends in Hollywood and the world of theater paid tribute to the man who helped define the Musical for generations and changed theater forever in the process.
Sondheim, a genius whose theatrical credits read like compilation of the 20th century’s greatest musicals — including “West Side Story,” “Assassins,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Sweeney Todd: he Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” and “Into the Woods — was remembered as “the greatest,” “a revolutionary voice,” and “the best that ever was” as the news of his death sunk in.
Steven Spielberg, who directed the upcoming new film based on “West Side Story, called Sondheim “a gigantic figure in American culture,” and a “real genius.”
Steven Spielberg, whose film of WEST SIDE STORY premieres in NYC on Monday, on the passing of Stephen Sondheim.
“I was surprised to discover that he knew more about movies than almost anyone I'd ever met.” pic.twitter.com/a4tys111GU— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) November 27, 2021
Josh Gad, who was supposed to lead a revival of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” before the pandemic, tweeted:
Perhaps not since April 23rd of 1616 has theater lost such a revolutionary voice. Thank you Mr. Sondheim for your Demon Barber, some Night Music, a Sunday in the Park, Company, fun at a Forum, a trip Into the Woods and telling us a West Side Story. RIP.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 26, 2021
Critic and author Mark Harris, whose husband Tony Kushner wrote the new version of “West Side Story,” simply (and correctly) dubbed him “The Greatest.”
The greatest.https://t.co/Dv2k8HyNEE
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) November 26, 2021
Uzo Aduba called Sondheim, simply, “the best that ever was.”
Stephen Sondheim was the best there ever was. I don’t know when we will ever have another of his caliber, of his breadth and scope. Just the greatest, a legend, a true titan. Rest In Peace.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) November 26, 2021
Stephen Colbert, whose praise actually made Sondheim tear up during a “The Late Show” appearance back in September, had this to say:
A giant of the stage is gone, but his work will live with us forever. Isn’t it lovely how artists can capture us? Thank you for The Hat, Steve. #ChildrenandArt https://t.co/lbNOntzTJN
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) November 26, 2021
Rachel Zegler, who stars in the Spielberg version of “West Side Story,” shared her memories.
i was so blessed to sing for him.
i am so blessed to have known him.
how lucky we all remain.
thank you, steve.— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) November 26, 2021
Ariana DeBose, who plays Anita in the new filmed “West Side Story,” also shared her thoughts, saying he “set the standard for the American musical.”
I am at a loss. Feels like the end of an era. He did indeed set the standard for the American musical.
Rest well, sir. #StephenSondheim— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) November 26, 2021
Anna Kendrick, who appeared in Disney’s big screen version of “Into the Woods,” shared what it was like to work on a Sondheim project (it sounds taxing!) while also expressing her loss.
I was just talking to someone a few nights ago about how much fun (and fucking difficult) it is to sing Stephen Sondheim. Performing his work has been among the greatest privileges of my career. A devastating loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) November 26, 2021
Author Neil Gaiman shared what it was like to ask Sondheim for permission, and told the story in the Gaiman-iest way possible.
He wrote me a wonderful permission letter to use “Old Friends” in American Gods. I avoided meeting him (failed only once) and refused dinner because I didn’t have many heroes. Now I’ve got one less. Thank you Stephen Sondheim so much. pic.twitter.com/soRo4G2ZFU
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 26, 2021
Actor and comedian Bill Eichner posted an apt photo with his thoughts.
Just posted this last night as I walked into my friend’s house for Thanksgiving. Fuck.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) November 26, 2021
See more reactions below:
I am so so sad to lose my friend Steve Sondheim He gave me so much to sing about
I loved him dearly and will miss him so much Thank you for all the gifts you gave the world Steve
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) November 26, 2021
American musical theater has lost a towering giant. Stephen Sondheim's legacy of song and lyric in unparalleled. From West Side Story to Sweenie Todd, from Gypsy to Sunday in the Park with George, there will never be a master like him.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 26, 2021
Absolutely gutted by the news of #StephenSondheim’s passing. His art changed my life. It left me in awe & dreaming of living in the magical worlds he created. A genius, a legend, a kind kind man. The theatre has lost a titan. Thank you, sir. May you fly with the angels.
— Debra Messing
(@DebraMessing) November 26, 2021
Goodbye dear sir. We will spend our lives trying to make you proud. #stephensondheim
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 26, 2021
Oh what a crushing loss. A true titan of a truly American art form. Always a gentleman. Rest in glorious peace and thank you for all you gave us. #sondheim https://t.co/r1pGL1m0uL
— Liesl (@LieslTommy) November 27, 2021